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As a seasoned Champion-level Trainer, Professor Oak could easily detect the changes that had taken place in Sato, as well as sense the hardship he was currently facing.
Sato, the young Trainer who had once defeated his granddaughter, had left a deep impression on Professor Oak.
Just a month ago, Professor Oak still clearly remembered Sato as a polite, well-mannered young man with a hint of inexperience.
But now, barely over a month later, all traces of that youthful innocence had vanished from Sato. He had grown extraordinarily shrewd.
No—perhaps the more fitting word to describe him now was ruthless.
Even though Sato tried his best to hide it, the air of decisive lethality—tempered through countless and constant brushes with death—was something Professor Oak still sensed keenly.
In his experience, it typically took young Trainers at least five years—if not longer—on the path to truly shed that layer of naivety, polishing and tempering their hearts through the trials of life.
But Sato had managed to undergo this transformation in just over a month. That could only mean he had walked a much faster, and far more dangerous path, experiencing scenes that ordinary Trainers might never encounter in their lifetime.
To survive, Sato had hardened himself under the weight of those bloody trials. His psyche had transformed rapidly, and his heart had become tougher… colder.
Yet Professor Oak also understood that this kind of "shortcut" to mental maturity came with severe consequences.
In truth, Oak had been through such times himself. He was born in an era far less peaceful than the present.
Back then, PokeBalls were primitive and scarce. Wild Pokémon were much more powerful than they were now.
Humanity had wrested its right to survive from them through iron and blood.
The cruelty of that time was beyond anything today's generation—raised like flowers in a greenhouse under the League's protection—could possibly imagine.
To have risen from that era and eventually become a Champion-level Trainer himself, Professor Oak had also seen and endured things that ordinary Trainers never would.
During his own growth, he too had gone through a period of explosive development in strength—when he was embroiled in a war for survival between humans and wild Pokémon.
That's why he understood Sato's current mental state so deeply.
However, understanding was one thing….. there were still basic facts he needed to confirm for himself. While Oak had a soft spot for helping young Trainers, he would never aid someone truly twisted or wicked.
If Sato turned out to be the kind of Trainer who killed indiscriminately and without cause in his quest for strength, Professor Oak would show him no mercy.
Facing such an astute and experienced Champion-level Trainer, Sato knew that lying would be pointless. So, he chose to speak honestly.
Of course, even while telling the truth, Sato carefully avoided mentioning anything about Team Rocket. He simply told Professor Oak that he had accidentally ended up on a mysterious island inhabited by many high-level Pokémon and had survived there for twenty-one days.
He swore that he hadn't killed the innocent or committed any heinous acts; he just did what he had to do to make sure he survived there and came out stronger.
His reason for coming here today was because he didn't want to keep living with his clearly fucked up state of mind—he was seeking Professor Oak's help to avoid the fate of living in constant vigilance and unnecessary aggressive outburst.
"So that's how it is. I've heard rumors about a mysterious island in the southern Orange Islands, but I never imagined it truly existed. It seems you've been through an arduous and extraordinary adventure, Sato. Wait here—I'll be right back."
After listening patiently to Sato's experiences on the island, Professor Oak finished the last spoonful of soup from his bowl, speaking with a pensive expression.
Then, he turned and walked toward the kitchen, bowl in hand.
"Sigh… Even though I didn't mention anything about Team Rocket, it's obvious Professor Oak has heard some rumors about that island. With his intelligence, he's probably already figured out who I really am."
As Professor Oak disappeared from view, Sato finally let his guard down a little. Still, unease lingered in his heart.
He knew full well that as a former Champion of Kanto, Professor Oak was a staunch supporter of the Pokémon League. If he suspected or discovered Sato's affiliation with Team Rocket, there was a real risk he might act to capture him.
In truth, Sato was taking a gamble. In his understanding, Professor Oak was an open-minded man. He likely already knew about Sato's background from League sources—and knew that Sato had been forced into joining Team Rocket.
After all, no one chooses to join a dark organization from the start. But once you're in, the deeper you fall, the harder it is to escape.
Meanwhile, after Professor Oak had completely disappeared from Sato's sight, a Ralts suddenly appeared, perching happily on Oak's head and playfully tugging at his hair.
"Well then, Ralts—was there any falsehood in that boy's words?"
Professor Oak placed the bowl in the sink, gently lifted the mischievous Ralts from his head, and asked with a serious tone.
This Ralts belonged to a young Trainer from Pallet Town who had left it in Oak's care. Over time, Oak had built a close bond with it.
Ralts had the innate ability to perceive emotions in humans and Pokémon alike. Their sensitivity to emotional fluctuations made them natural lie detectors of sorts.
That's why, while questioning Sato, Professor Oak had secretly asked Ralts to monitor the truthfulness of his words.
[None.]
Upon hearing the question, the red horn on Ralts's forehead lit up briefly. It shook its head and responded telepathically.
"Then… is he hiding anything?"
Professor Oak smiled slightly at the initial answer—relieved that he hadn't misjudged the boy. But as a thought occurred to him, he quickly followed up with another question.
[Yes. He's hiding something.]
This time, Ralts gave a firm reply.
"Thank you, Ralts. You've been a great help. Go back and play with your friends."
Professor Oak's expression dimmed slightly at Ralts's response, but he quickly thanked it and gave permission to return.
[Even though that bgi brother was kind of scary and full of negative emotions… I don't think he's a bad person. You really do have a good eye.]
Sensing Oak's disappointment, Ralts offered a comforting telepathic message.
"Those words are more than enough. You're right—as long as he's not a bad person, that's what matters. The child's circumstances are clearly difficult… for him to make it this far is no small feat. Thank you, Ralts."
Hearing Ralts's words, Professor Oak's eyes lit up. As if something had clicked, he gently patted Ralts's head and laughed heartily.